2009 News Releases

Date:

October 22, 2009

For More Information Contact:

Officer Katie Flood, Public Information Officer, 441.7226

Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving

Halloween is a much-loved fall tradition that is enjoyed by people of all ages. But irresponsible celebrating can
quickly spoil all of the fun. That is why the Lincoln Police Department is reminding everyone that Buzzed
Driving is Drunk Driving. To coincide with National Impaired Driving Enforcement Week, Lincoln Police have
coordinated saturation details and sobriety checkpoints at undisclosed locations within the city. Funding for this
increased enforcement is provided by grants from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety (NOHS).

Officers have coordinated saturations details Thursday, October 22, 2009 through Saturday, October 24, 2009
and on Friday, October 30, 2009. Sobriety checkpoints will also be established on Saturday, October 24, 2009
and Saturday, October 31, 2009.

With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, we want to remind revelers to be responsible by not taking the
party to the roadways, putting themselves, trick-or-treaters and other motorists at risk.

Halloween is a particularly deadly night due to drunk drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2008, 58 percent of all highway fatalities across the nation on Halloween
night (6 pm Oct. 31 to 5:59 am Nov. 1) involved a driver or a motorcycle rider with a Blood Alcohol
Concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, which is illegal in every state.

There are simple precautions partygoers can take such as designating a sober driver in advance or taking a taxi. We recommend these simple tips:

Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;

Before drinking, please designate a sober driver;

If youíre impaired, and haven't designated a sober driver, use a taxi or call a sober friend
or family member so you are sure to get home safely;

If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, donít hesitate to contact law
enforcement.